Small businesses concerned over impact of Brexit on EU workers, FSB suggests

26 Apr 2017

Over half of small businesses employing workers from the EU are concerned that Brexit may hinder their recruitment of skilled staff, a report published by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has suggested.

59% of businesses surveyed reported that they are worried that they could lose access to individuals with the ‘right skills’, while 54% of firms are concerned about growing their business post-Brexit.

According to the FSB’s report, 21% of small businesses currently employ EU workers. The report also found that small firms with EU workers ‘mainly employ mid-skilled staff’, such as care and construction workers, mechanics and office managers.

The FSB has stated that securing the right to remain in the UK for EU workers ‘must be a priority’.

Mike Cherry, National Chairman of the FSB, said: ‘There is a real concern among small firms with EU staff that they will lose access to the skills and labour their business needs to survive and grow. EU workers are a vital part of our economy, helping to plug chronic skills gaps across a wide range of sectors, and filling jobs in an already tight labour market.’